ANNOTATION

In this retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds when he rescues the King of the Jungle.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Little Mouse. Big Lion. Big, big trouble. Who will save the mouse? Who will save the lion?" This simple retelling of the classic Aesop fable will be a treat for kids and their parents as an adventurous mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds—like rescuing the King of the Jungle. With big, bold illustrations by Lisa McCue and large type, this Early Step into Reading book is perfect for kids just beginning to learn how to read.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Susan Hepler, Ph.D.

Aesop's well-known fable is told with an economy of words and pictures to help the very new reader along in this Level 1 "Step Into Reading" title. The words "trouble" and "follow" may give some readers pause, but familiar ones such as "big, little, roar, help, and chew" will give readers satisfaction as they make their way through text that varies from one to four lines per page. McCue's illustrations make the lion less scary than some versions, and the fable ends with a picture of the mouse mounted on the lion's head moving into the sunset and text states the moral: Always Help Others. It is a good first book for introducing children to the genre of fables and a nicely laid out version for new readers as well. 2004 (orig. 1998), Random House, Ages 6 to 9.

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

Herman retells the fable of the lion who thinks he is much better than the mouse because he is bigger. The mouse saves himself from the lion's claws by assuring the lion that he will need him someday. And sure enough, the lion becomes trapped in a net and only the mouse can save him. A large typeface and simple, repetitive text are paired with action packed illustrations. This "Early Step into Reading" book is designed for beginning readers.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1--Herman uses a controlled vocabulary of less than 45 words to retell the familiar Aesop's fable about helping others. McCue's realistic illustrations fill the pages with color and effectively enhance the text. Beginning readers will be able to read this independently after hearing it just once or twice. A good choice, especially for youngsters who love stories that show the smallest creature saving the day.--Sharon R. Pearce, formerly at San Antonio Public Library, TX